Peamenüü

The Riigikogu is the parliament of Estonia. Its 101 members are elected at general elections for a term of four years. The Riigikogu passes laws and resolutions, exercises parliamentary supervision and ratifies international agreements.

The Riigikogu has 11 standing commitees and 6 select committees. Commitees of investigation and study committees are formed to investigate issues of public interest or problems of significant imprtance.

Palling: Estonia supports the establishment of the European Energy Union

27.11.2015 / Press releases, European Union Affairs Committee

On Friday, the members of the European Union Affairs Committee and Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) met with Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič. The meeting focused on the issues connected with the establishment of the European Energy Union.

Šefčovič explained the objectives and activities of the energy and climate policy of the European Union and emphasised the importance of the cooperation of Member States in building up the Energy Union. It was noted at the meeting that if all member states simultaneously contributed to the development of infrastructure and legislation, it would give the investors a strong signal and confidence for making investments.

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Kalle Palling said that Estonia supports the creation of the European Energy Union. “Estonia is interested in the Balticconnector gas pipeline project, which was submitted by Elering and the Finnish Balticconnector OY in October, getting 75 percent co-financing from the European Union. It is also in Estonia’s interests to reduce energy dependence on Russia,” Palling said.

Member of the European Union Affairs Committee Juhan Parts emphasised the peculiarity of Estonia in its use of oil shale, and the growing importance of wind energy.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Jaak Madison, member of the European Union Affairs Committee Andre Sepp and members of the Economic Affairs Committee Maris Lauri and Erki Savisaar.